Unitized modular rack for vertical storage of flat sheet materials

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a unitized module adapted for interconnection with others of such modules to form a modular storage rack for vertical storage of flat sheet materials, each unitized module formed by a base member having a leading end and a trailing end, each of which is provided with connecting means, and a stanchion having a generally trapezoidal configuration mounted on the base and having the rear side edge thereof overhanging the trailing end of the base member to form a connecting offset. A plurality of such unitized modules may be interconnected to form a modular rack having a plurality of storage bins for vertical storage of flat sheet materials.

June 3, 1975 United States Patent 1191 2/1970 Silvert.............1..............

Hansen FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS mn u B OI). 777 WWW WWW UOflD J5 7,.05I 5. 3 3 6/0 9396 4 3 96 3 3 32 T E m MS T mu F AF R0 RE Mm R O e S L D MA E I ZK E T T IR NE Uv M [75] Inventor: Richard S. Jay, Evanston, Ill.

930,059 7/l963 United Kingdom..............1.... Zl l/4l 1,538,596 El /10.5 X

[73] Assignee: Jarke Corporation, Chicago. Ill.

Nov. 26, 1973 Appl. No.:418,859

[22] Filed:

Primary ExaminerRobert L. Wolfe Assistant ExarninerDavid H. Corbin Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Dominik, Knechtel. Godula & Demeur Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 386.569, Aug. 8,

[57] ABSTRACT There is disclosed a unitized module adapted for interconnection with others of such modules to form a Int. Cl.

[Sll Field of Search modular storage rack for vertical storage of flat sheet materials, each unitized module formed by a base member having a leading end and a trailing end, each [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS of which is provided with connecting means, and a stanchion having a generally trapezoidal configuration mounted on the base and having the rear side edge thereof overhanging the trailing end of the base member to form a connecting offset. A plurality of such unitized modules may be interconnected to form a modular rack having a plurality of storage bins for vertical storage of flat sheet materials.

34s 5/1963 Neuhauser.....................2l4/l().5R 449 11/1965 182/178 x 6 (3131111518 Drawmg Flgures PATEF-ETEDJUH 31915 3887-9078 SHEET UNITIZED MODULAR RACK FOR VERTICAL STORAGE OF FLAT SHEET MATERIALS RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 386,569 filed on Aug. 8. i973. and entitled: MODULAR STORAGE FRAME FOR FLAT SHEET MATERIALS. naming Richard S. Jay as inventor thereof. and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION A wide vareity of storage frames and modularized storage units are known in the art, each of which is designed for a particular application. For example. US. Pat. No. 3,476,260 discloses a storage rack designed to receive and store cylindrical containers thereon and to facilitate the transporting of the storage racks from one location to another. Another type of material container is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3.503.519, wherein the contained disclosed therein is designed and constructed to accommodate long flexible material suach as metal rods, strips, angles and the like. US. Pat. No. 3,565,018 is directed to a storage rack for bulk material which accommodates the stacking of such materi als on the rack in order to facilitate storage and transportion thereof.

There is also disclosed in assignees co-pending appplication. Ser. No. 386,56) entitled MODULAR STORAGE FRAME FOR FLAT SHEET MATERL ALS, a storage rack for the storage of flat sheet materials which is formed by a pair of base members and having a plurality of trapezoidal stanchions fixedly mounted on each of the base members in normal relation thereto, the stanchions mounted on one base member being in opposed relation with respect to the stanchions mounted on the opposed base member. The opposed stanchions are interconnected by means of top rails which extend across between opposed stanchions. The top rails provide a resting surface for the flat sheet material which are positioned in an inclined storage posture due to the trapezoidal configuration of the stanchion. However, the modular storage rack disclosed therein requires that each of the base members and stanchions be bolted to interconnect the complete structure. and the top rail as well must be bolted to opposed stanchions such that there is a labor factor necessary in order to assemble the subject modular storage rack. This factor is true even where a limited amount of vertical storage space is needed for the reason that each stanchion and each base member. and each top rail must be separately bolted together. Hence, while the subject modular storage rack as disclosed in the aforementioned application has applicability and is useful as such, nevertheless. it has been deemed desirable to provide a unitized module which may be used as a modular storage rack, and which permits the interconnection of individual unitized modules to form a storage rack of any desired length.

In addition. it has been found that with a modular storage rack of the type disclosed in the :iforemem tioned application Ser. No. 386.56 the point of butting adjacent base members is generally positioned within one of the storage bins formed by adjacent stanchions. and it has been found that in the event that flat sheet materials such as stainless steel or aluminum is stored therein, it is possible to scratch the sheets should they ride over the butt junction between adjacent base members. Hence. another area of potential damage to such types of flat sheet materials is present in a modular rack of that construction.

Other types of racks are known in the art for a variety of materials. Each of such racks is generally designed fora specific purpose and seeks to simplify the problem of storage as well as case of assembly and knock-down. Another important object in designing and constructing such storage racks relates to the ability to provide as many compartments as may be necessary in order to store the desired quantities of materials while at the same time not requiring that the rack be larger than necessary. It is for this reason that modularized storage racks or frames have been found very useful since an overall storage rack may be constructed in the length desired or necessary as dictated by the quantity of material to be stored therein. As has now been pointed out, another object to be achieved is to construct a modularized unit which will permit ease of interconnection and which at the same time minimizes damage to any of the flat sheet materials to be stored therein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention is directed to a unitized module which permits interconnection to form a modularized storage rack for the vertical storage of flat sheet material thereon. Each of the unitized modules is formed by a base member having a forward end and a trailing end with connecting means positioned at both the forward and trailing ends, and a stanchion of generally trapezoidal configuration mounted therein and up standing therefrom. The rear side edge of the trapezoidal stanchion is designed to overhang the trailing end of the base member such that there is formed a connecting offset in the lower rear corner thereof. In order to interconnect adjacent unitized modules, the forward end of one base member of one of the unitized modules is accommodated within the connecting offset of the rear portion of the adjacent unitized module and fixedly secured thereto by connecting means such as a splice plate or the like, such that the butting edge between adjacent unitized modules is shielded by the stanchion thereby eliminating any butting edges which could cause potential damage to certain types of flat sheet materials stored therein.

In one embodiment of the invention, the unitized module may be constructed as a single element having the base member and trapzoidal stanchion cast or molded as a unitary piece. The splice plates forming the connecting means are separate elements and may then be used to interconnect adjacent unitized modules to form a plurality of storage bins.

In another embodiment of the invention. each unitized module may be formed from a pair of base rails, each base rail having a front and rear support bar mounted thereon. and upstanding therefrom. the from support bar being angularly inclined rearwardly somewhat thereby to form a trapezoidal configuration when interconnected with the rear support bar by means of a top rail. The opposed pair of base rails, each having the front and rear support bars mounted thereon. are held in spaced and fixed relationship by means of a plurality of spacer members, the respective mountings being effected by means of weldments or the like. Once again, the rear support bars are designed and constructed to overhang the trailing end of each base rail such that a connecting offset is established to accommodate positioning therein of the leading edge of an adjacent modulesuch that the rear support bars overlay the butting edge of the adjacent base rails of adjacent unitized modules.

The embodiment as set forth above may further be varied by varying the length of the spacer members such that the pair of base rails having the support bars mounted thereon may be spaced a greater or lesser distance apart. In the event that shorter spacer members are employed, a fairly compact unitized module is provided and in order to store elongated flat sheet of material, one may employ'a double row of such compact unitized modules to create a plurality of bins and then causing the elongated flat sheets to be vertically stored therebetween. Where the spacer members are more elongated in structure, obviously a greater distance is created between the opposed members ofa pair of base rails, such that one need not employ a double row of unitized modules in order to create a plurality of storage bins but may simply employ a series of adjacent unitized modules of such construction, in a single row form.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES The principal object of the invention is, therefore, the provision 'of a unitized module which, together with oneor 'more other such unitized modules, may be interconnected to form a modular storage rack for the vertical'storage of'flat sheet materials.

More specifically, the object of the invention is the provision of a unitized module forming a storage rack for flat sheet materials which comprises basically a base member having a forward and trailing end with each of the forward and trailing ends having connecting means associated therewith, and a stanchion mounted on and extending upwardly from the base member, the rear side edge of trapezoidal stanchion overhanging the trailing end of the base member, thereby to create or form a connecting offset for accommodating the insertion of the forward end of an adjacent unitized module therein, whereby the rear edge of the trapezoidal stanchion overrides and conceals the butting edges of the adjacent base members when interconnected.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a unitized module for forming a storage rack, wherein the forward resting surface of the trapezoidal stanchion is inclined rearwardly from the normal line thereby providing a resting surface against which flat sheet materials stored vertically may rest.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a unitized module wherein the base members comprise a pair of opposed rails. each base rail having a front support bar mounted thereon and extending angularly upwardly therefrom, and a rear support bar mounted on and extending upwardly from the base rail, the rear support bar overhanging the trailing end of the base rail for a distance. and the front and rear support bars interconnected by means of a top rail, thereby to form a generally trapezoidal configuration as between the top rail, the front support bar. rear support bar. and base rail. and each base rail being provided with conneeting means associated with both the forward and trailing ends thereof. and at least one spacer member interconnecting opposed ones of the pair of base rails having the trapezoidal stanchions mounted thereon thereby tospaceeach of the base rails in fixed relation, one with respect to the other.

In connection with the foregoing objects, it is still another object to provide a unitized module of the type described wherein the connecting means comprises apertures disposed through the forward and trailing ends of the base rails and a splice plate having at least a pair of apertures disposed therein such that one aperture may be secured to the aperture in the forward end of one unitized module and the other aperture may be securely fastened to the aperture in the trailing end of an adjacent unitized module thereby to interconnect the same.

Still inconnection with the foregoing objects, it is still another object of this invention to provide a unitized module for a modular storage rack of the type de scribed wherein the overhang of the trapezoidal stanchion withrespect to the base rail creates a connecting offset to accommodate the insertion therein of the forward end of an adjacent unitized module such that the butted edges of adjacent modules, when interconnected, are each overhung by the corresponding trapezoidal stanchion such that no seams or butted edges are positioned within the area of storage of the flat sheet materials, thereby to avoid-any potential damage to flat sheet materials stored therebetween.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the parts. whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained. 1 r I The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation together with further objects and advantages thereof will best be understood by reference to the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing a plurality of unitized modules in interconnected relationship;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view showing a pair of unitized modules in opposed parallel relationship to accommodate the storage of elongated flat sheet materials therebetween;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, showing the interconnection between adjacent unitized modules and the means by which the butting edges are overhung by a corresponding trapezoidal stanchion;

FIG. 4 is a top cross sectional view showing the manner in which the connecting means is employed to in terconnect adjacent unitized modules:

FIG. 5 is aperspective view showing one embodiment of the unitized module of the present invention:

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the unitized module of the present invention and further showing a pair of such embodiments of unitized modules in adjacent relationship and the means by which the said modules interconnect;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the unitized module as contemplated by the present invention wherein the spacer members are of elongated configuration: and,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the unitized module as contemplated by the present inventionfwherein the complete assembly is a unitary construction.

With specific reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 of the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the present i vention is illustrated. With specific reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings. a unitized module 10 is illustrated. It

will be noted that the module is formed by a pair of base rails 12, positioned in opposed parallel relationship. Each base rail 12 includes a front support bar 14 mounted thereon by means of a weldment or other similar fastening means and extending angularly upwardly therefrom. It will be observed that the front support bar 14 extends angularly in an acute angle with respect to the perpendicular line from bottom to top such that a support surface is created to support flat sheet materials rested thereagainst. Each base rail 12 also includes a rear support bar 16, mounted thereon by any suitable means such as a weldment or the like, and extending upwardly therefrom. The front and rear support bars 14 and 16 respectively are interconnected by means of a top rail 18 which together with the front support bar 14 and rear support bear 16 and base rail 12 forms a generally trapezoidal configuration. Each of the base rails 12 with the front and rear support bars 14 and 16 mounted thereon are held in spaced and fixed relationship by means of a series of four spacer members 20, secured to the corresponding structure by weldments or the like.

Each base rail 12 has a forward end 11 and a trailing end 13. It will be observed that the rear support bar 16 is so mounted on the base rail 12 such that a portion thereof overhangs the trailing end 13 of the corresponding base rail 12. This overhanging construction creates a connecting offset 22 which functions to aid in the interconnecion of adjacent unitized modules 10 in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

Finally, it will be observed that the forward end 11 of each base rail 12 is provided with an aperture 24 while the trailing end 13 of the base rail 12 is similarly provided with a rear aperture 26, positioned therein. The apertures 24 and 26 function for interconnecting adjacent unitized modules as will be similarly explained hereinafter.

To achieve interconnection of one module 10 to another module 10, one module 10 is positioned such that the forward end 11 of a base rail 12 is inserted within the connecting offset 22 of the next adjacent module 10. Once this positioning is achieved, the adjacent modules 10 may be connected by a splice plate 28. It will be observed that the splice plate is provided with a pair of threaded bolts 29, one of which extends through the rear aperture 26 of one module 10, while the other threaded bolt 29 extends through the forward aperture 24 of the next adjacent module 10. The splice plate 28 and the threaded bolts 29 inserted there through are held in fixed relation by means of lock nuts 30.

It will be observed in the embodiment of FIG. 5 of the drawings all of the various elements recited above including the base rails 12, front support bar 14, rear support bar 16, and spacer members are formed of tubular steel. Furthermore, the splice plate 28 is constructed of a slightly smaller width than the internal diameter of the tubular base rail such that in order to effect interconnection, the splice plate 28 may be inserted internally within the base rail 12, with the threaded bolt 29 extending outwardly through the respective apertures24 and 26. This relationship is illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawings as well.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 of the drawings, the relationship between the rear support bar 16 and the base rail 12, is illustrated, and the connecting offset formed by the construction as described above and the advantages to be gained thereby are also illustrated. It will be observed that when interconnection is achieved between adjacent modules 10, the butting seams between the trailing end 13 of one base rail 12 and the forward edge 11 of an adjacent base rail 12 is positioned directly beneath a corresponding rear support bar 16 such that no butting seam is presented in the area designated as a storage area for flat sheet materials. In this manner, in the event that such materials as stainless steel or aluminum sheets are stored in the bins, there is no danger that the flat sheets will encounter a butted seam thereby to potentially cause scratching of the sheet during insertion and removal from the storage area.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings, a plurality of unitized modules may be interconnected via a plurality of splice plates 28, forming a plurality of storage bins for the vertical storage of flat sheet material. It will also be illustrated in the preferred embodiment that the rear support bar 16 is mounted on a corresponding base rail 12 in an angulaly inclined angle away from the normal line such that an inclined surface is presented for the support of flat sheet materials leaned thereagainst. Hence, in the preferred embodiment, the front and rear support bars 14 and 16 resoectively are inclined angularly toward one another from botton to top, thereby presenting inclined surfaces against which the flat sheet material may be rested.

It will further be apparent from FIGS. 1 and 5 of the drawings that individual unitized modules 10 may be interconnected where the flat sheet material to be stored is of a shorter length without causing any buckling or bending of the material. However, as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, where elongated flat sheet material is to be stored, a double row of unitized modules may be positioned in opposed parallel relationship thereby to accommodate flat sheet materials stored therebetween. Hence, it will be apparent by providing a unitized module 10 of the type described herein, the operator has a wide choice of interconnection and positioning of such modules in order to achieve the desired storage function.

In FIG. 6 of the drawings, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. There is provided a unitized module which is formed as a unitary element including a base portion 42 and a support bar 44. The support bar 44 is generally trapezoidal in configuration and has an angularly inclined front surface 45 and a reversely angularly inclined rear surface 46. The base portion 42 has a forward end 48 and a trailing end 50. It will be observed that the rear portion of the support bar 44 overhangs the trailing end 50 of the base portion 42 such as to form a connecting offset 52 which accommodates interconnection in the manner heretofore described with respect to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 of the drawings. Hence, in order to achieve interconnection, adjacent modules 40 are connected by inserting the forward end 48 of one module 40 into the connecting offset 52 of the adjacent module 40, such that once again, no butting edge or seam is presented to the area of storage for the flat sheet materials. It will further be observed that each of the base portions 42 is provided with two apertures 54 traversing the body of the base portion 42 with one aperture 54 being positioned adjacent the forward end 48 and the other aperture 54 being positioned adjacent the trailing end 50. In order to accomplish interconnection,

the adjacent modules 40 are nestled together in the manner described, after which a pair of splice plates 56 are applied on opposed side surfaces of the respective modules 40. The splice plates 56 are held in fixed position by inserting a threaded bolt 57 through aperture provided in the splice plates, one threaded bolt 57 being inserted through the splice plate 56 and through the aperture 54 positioned in the trailing end 50 of one module 40 and the opposed bolt 57 being inserted through the corresponding apertures in the splice plate 56 and through the aperture 54 in the forward end 48 of the adjacent module 40. The threaded bolts 57 are then held in fixed and secured relation by means of lock nuts 58 in the manner illustrated. With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, each of the modules 40 may be formed of any composite mixture such as concrete or composite mixtures of aggregate and adhesive, or any other suitable material such as a wide variety of plastics. It is generally contemplated that where this embodiment of the invention is to be utilized, a double parallel row of such unitized modules is positioned to accommodate the vertical storage of flat sheet materials thereacross in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

With respect to FIG. 8 of the drawings, it will be observed that the embodiment as disclosed therein obtains some of the advantages from the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings, wherein each module is a unitary element as well as some of the advantages obtained by the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through of the drawings, wherein the respect stanchions and base rails are interconnected by spacer members. As illustrated, there is provided a unitized module 60 formed as a unitary element, including a base portion 62 and a support bar 64. Once again, the support bar includes an angularly inclined front surface 65 and a reversely angularly inclined rear surface 66. Similarly, the base portion 62 is provided with a forward end 68 and a trailing end 70. It will also be observed that the rear portion of the support bar 64 overhangs the trailing end 70 of the base portion 62, to form a connecting offset 72 to accommodate interconnection in the manner as described above such that no butting edge or seam is presented in the storage area of the bin.

It will be observed that the body portion of the module 60 is provided with two pairs of apertures 73, which accommodate the connection of spacer members 74 having corresponding apertured plates 75, fixedly secured to the spacer member 74 suitable for interconnecting with the module 60. It is apparent that interconnection may be achieved by a bolt and nut assembly in a manner well known in the art.

Finally, it will be observed that the method for interconnection of one module 60 to an adjacent module 60 is accomplished by providing the forward end 68 of the base portion 62 with an aperture 76 and the trailing end 70 of the base portion 62 with an aperture 77. Hence, in order to achieve the interconnection, the forward end 68 of one module 60 is inserted within the connecting offset 72 of an adjacent module 60 such that the forward aperture 76 of one module 60 mates with the trailing aperture 77 of an adjacent module 60 and the same may then be interconnected by a threaded bolt and nut assembly. Once again, this interconnection achieves a seamless storage area for the flat sheet material to be stored therein.

It will also be apparent that by varying the length of the spacer members 74, the distance between opposed modules 60 may be varied such that either enlarged or shortened flat sheet materials may be vertically stored therein and hence, the operator may either employ a double parallel row of such modules to store materials where elongated materials are to be stored, or may simply employ a single row of modules accordingly interconnected in order to store shortened types of flat sheet materials.

It will also be apparent that the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8 of the drawings is formed in the manner of eye beam construction which permits the constructional features as described above, such as the apertures 76 and 77 being provided in one portion of the cross plate of the eye beam.

With respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 it will be apparent that the invention can be further modified to permit a wider latitude in establishing support geometry as well as introducing economics in the manufacturing and advantages in shipping a more compact load from manufacturer to user. It will be ob served that each unitized module 80 is separately formed by means of a base rail 82, front support bar 84, rear support bar 86 and a top rail 88. These various elements may be interconnected by appropriate weldments or the like. In addition, the base rail 82 includes a connection plate mounted thereon by any appropriate means such as a weldment or the like and extends angularly outwardly therefrom. An upper connection plate 92 is fixedly mounted to the lower portion of the top rail 88 and extends laterally outwardly therefrom, the upper and lower connection plates 92 and 90 respectively functioning to connect to spacer members 94 in the manner illustrated. The connection of the spacer members 94 with the connection plates 90 and 92 respectively may be accomplished by any appropriate means such as a threaded bolt and nut arrangement.

It will also be observed that the rear support bar 86 overhangs the trailing end 83 of the base rail 82 thereby to provide a connecting offset 85 in order to permit the same type of interconnection as heretofore described with respect to the other embodiments set forth above. Interconnection is again achieved by providing apertures at both the forward and trailing ends of the base rail 82 and interconnecting adjacent modules 80 by means of a splice plate (not shown) in the manner heretofore described.

It will be appreciated that with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the manufacturer may ship the modules 80 in the knocked down form, providing the user with a pair of modules 80 and a pair of spacer members 94 and hence, permitting the user to assemble the double module at the ultimate point of destination. This assembly also permits the manufacturer and the user lati tude in varying the size of the storage area since a variety of lengths may be employed in the spacer members 94, thereby to vary the distance between opposed modules 80. Hence, should the user designate to the manufacturer that elongated flat sheet material is to be stored, the user may purchase elongated spacer members 94 thereby to establish a greater distance between opposed modules 80 and accommodate the storage of the flat sheet material without necessarily being required to purchase or provide a double parallel row of modulels in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

Another advantage gained by employing a unitized module of the type described with respect to the various embodimentsas setforth above is the fact that interconnection is achieved by means of splice plates which may be connected in a slightly loosened fashion. In this manner, the modules may be assembled in such a manner as to follow the contours of an uneven floor or ground as is often times encountered in warehousing areas. Another advantage obtained is the fact that the user may assemble an exact number of compartments to fit either a critical space allotment or a precise inventory allocation, all designed for the users particular needs. Furthermore, the provision of unitized modules permits the assembly of a small number of compartments for temporary local storage such as at a machine or fabrication station.

Still another advantage obtained by providing such unitized modules is the fact that the user is permitted a wide range of material lengths to be accommodated within a storage area by placement of the modules in parallel rows of any multiplicity. Hence, the user may employ a single row of modules where short panels of flat sheet material are to be stored or may employ a double row of parallel oriented modules in order to accommodate elongated flat sheet materials.

Finally, one of the principal advantages obtained by the present invention and the construction of the modules as described herein relates to the means by which interconnection is achieved. As has been described, by having the rear portion of the stanchion or support bar overhanging the trailing end of the base rail, interconnection can be achieved by butting the forward end of an adjacent module with the trailing end of the next adjacent module such that the forward end is inserted and nestled within the connecting offset. In this manner, the connecting or butted seam created by two abutting surfaces is overriden by the stanchion or at least a part of the stanchion and hence, no seam is presented within the storage area where flat sheet material is to be stored. In this manner, potential damage, such as by scratching or scaping is obviated and the flat sheet material may be easily slid within the storage area and slidably removed therefrom.

It will be appreciated that there has been provided by virtue of the present invention a unitized module which accommodates the assembling of an enlarged storage rack directed solely by the needs of the user thereof, while minimizing storage space allocable by the user to such storage functions. It will further be appreciated that the unitized module of the present invention provides a convenient and efficient means for interconnection of adjacent modules such as to achieve ease of interconnection while at the same time eliminating any butting or connecting edges within the storage area to be utilized for the storage of flat sheet material. This feature avoids any potential damage to the flat sheet material when slidably inserted or removed from the storage areas. In addition, the unitized modules of the present invention permit ease of manufacturing with an accompanying decrease in manufacturing costs by modularizing the elements. In addition to economies for and on behalf of the manufacture it will be appreciated that the ultimate user is similarly provided with economies since the user need not only purchase as many unitized modules as may be necessary for the users particular space allotment, or inventory requirements.

It will be appreciated that all of the above objects and advantages have been provided by virtue of the unitized modular storage rack of the present invention, in the manner as more specifically described herein. While there has been described what at present is considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A unitized module adapted for interconnection with one or more other such modules to form a modular rack for storage materials comprising, in combination,

a base member having a leading end and a trailing end each of said leading and trailing ends being provided with connecting means for interconnecting adjacent base members,

said base member formed by at least one base rail, said base rail having a forward support bar mounted thereon and spaced rearwardly from said leading end of said base member and extending upwardly therefrom,

said base rail further including a rear support bar mounted thereon and extending upwardly therefrom, said rear support bar overhanging the trailing end of said base member thereby to form a connecting offset,

said forward and rear support bars interconnected by a top frame member,

said leading end of one module cooperating with the connecting offset trailing end of a next adjacent module such that the point of interconnection between adjacent modules is removed from contact with the materials stored in said rack,

whereby interconnection of one unitized module with an adjacent module is accomplished by inserting the leading end of said base member of one module into the connecting offset trailing end of the next adjacent module such that said rear support bar overrides the leading edge of adjacent base members thereby to conceal the point of interconnection between adjacent unitized modules from the materials stored within said rack.

2. The unitized module as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said base member is formed by a pair of parallel base rails,

each of said base rails having a forward support bar and a rear support bar mounted thereon and extending angularly upwardly therefrom,

said opposed pairs of base rails, forward support bars,

and rear support bars held in spaced and fixed relationship by a plurality of spacer members mounted on and interconnecting opposed ones of said base rails and forward and rear support bars.

3. The unitized module as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said base member, said forward and rear support bars, and said top frame member are formed as an integral element.

4. The unitized module as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said base member includes at least one aperture traversing each of said leading and trailing ends thereof,

and said connecting means comprises a splice plate having apertures positioned therein to correspond to said apertures in said base member whereby said splice plate may be threadedly secured to adjacent 6. The unitized module as set forth in claim 2 above, unitized modules and interconnect the same. wherein said base rails, forward and rear support bars 5. The unitized module as set forth in claim 3 above, and spacer members are all formed of tubular steel. wherein said integral module is formed of a cast metal. 

1. A unitized module adapted for interconnection with one or more other such modules to form a modular rack for storage materials comprising, in combination, a base member having a leading end and a trailing end each of said leading and trailing ends being provided with connecting means for interconnecting adjacent base members, said base member formed by at least one base rail, said base rail having a forward support bar mounted thereon and spaced rearwardly from said leading end of said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said base rail further including a rear support bar mounted thereon and extending upwardly therefrom, said rear support bar overhanging the trailing end of said base member thereby to form a connecting offset, said forward and rear support bars interconnected by a top frame member, said leading end of one module cooperating with the connecting offset trailing end of a next adjacent module such that the point of interconnection between adjacent modules is removed from contact with the materials stored in said rack, whereby interconnection of one unitized module with an adjacent module is accomplished by inserting the leading end of said base member of one module into the connecting offset trailing end of the next adjacent module such that said rear support bar overrides the leading edge of adjacent base members thereby to conceal the point of interconnection between adjacent unitized modules from the materials stored within said rack.
 1. A unitized module adapted for interconnection with one or more other such modules to form a modular rack for storage materials comprising, in combination, a base member having a leading end and a trailing end each of said leading and trailing ends being provided with connecting means for interconnecting adjacent base members, said base member formed by at least one base rail, said base rail having a forward support bar mounted thereon and spaced rearwardly from said leading end of said base member and extending upwardly therefrom, said base rail further including a rear support bar mounted thereon and extending upwardly therefrom, said rear support bar overhanging the trailing end of said base member thereby to form a connecting offset, said forward and rear support bars interconnected by a top frame member, said leading end of one module cooperating with the connecting offset trailing end of a next adjacent module such that the point of interconnection between adjacent modules is removed from contact with the materials stored in said rack, whereby interconnection of one unitized module with an adjacent module is accomplished by inserting the leading end of said base member of one module into the connecting offset trailing end of the next adjacent module such that said rear support bar overrides the leading edge of adjacent base members thereby to conceal the point of interconnection between adjacent unitized modules from the materials stored within said rack.
 2. The unitized module as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said base member is formed by a pair of parallel base rails, each of said base rails having a forward support bar and a rear support bar mounted thereon and extending angularly upwardly therefrom, said opposed pairs of base rails, forward support bars, and rear support bars held in spaced and fixed relationship by a plurality of spacer members mounted on and interconnecting opposed ones of said base rails and forward and rear support bars.
 3. The unitized module as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said base member, said forward and rear support bars, and said top frame member are formed as an integral element.
 4. The unitized module as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said base member includes at least one aperture traversing each of said leading and trailing ends thereof, and said connecting means comprises a splice plate having apertures positioned therein to correspond to said apertures in said base member whereby said splice plate may be threadedly secured to adjacent unitized modules and interconnect the same.
 5. The unitized module as set forth in claim 3 above, wherein said integral module is formed of a cast metal. 